Helping someone else

It can be hard to know what to do when supporting someone with a mental health problem. Our information is aimed at helping friends, family, carers and others to give support and take care of themselves too.

Explains what bipolar disorder is and gives suggestions for how you can offer support. Also provides information on what treatments are available and how someone with this diagnosis can help themselves cope.

Explains the mental health effects of recreational drugs and alcohol, and what might happen if you use recreational drugs and also have a mental health problem. Includes suggestions for where you might find support.

Explains what mental health problems are, what may cause them, and the many different kinds of help, treatment and support that are available. Also provides guidance on where to find more information, and tips for friends and family.

Explains what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD are, and gives suggestions for how you can offer support. Also provides information on what treatments are available and how someone with this diagnosis can help themselves cope.

Guidance on offering emotional and practical support, what you can do when someone doesn't want to seek help, and supporting someone to seek help in a crisis. Also includes information about making empowered decisions and seeking help outside the NHS.